Happy 1st Anniversary to the New Fantasyland at MK!

Happy one-year anniversary to New Fantasyland! The area, which is the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom Park history, enjoyed its grand opening ceremony exactly a year ago today. Time flies when you’re having fun!

New Fantasyland, which brought about the addition of Storybook Circus and dedicated “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid” areas to the park, was officially dedicated December 6, 2012, in a ceremony that featured “Once Upon a Time” actress Ginnifer Goodwin, pop star Jordin Sparks and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs. Guests could now participate in a retelling of Belle and Beast’s love story atEnchanted Tales With Belle, have a snack at Gaston’s Tavern, dine inside Beast’s Castle at Be Our Guest Restaurant, or explore the caverns below Prince Eric’s castle to take a journey under the sea with Ariel.

Over the course of the past year, work has continued on the remaining two attractions in the New Fantasyland expansion. One of these, Princess Fairytale Hall, opened its doors in September as the go-to place to meet Cinderella and Rapunzel, who each greet guests daily alongside one of their other royal friends. The interior of the hall was inspired by design elements – and even specific props – seen in the films “Cinderella” and “Tangled.” The result was a truly regal look, with high ceilings, rich wood-paneling, handpainted princess portraits, themed wallpaper, glittering stained glass windows and more.

The final attraction in the New Fantasyland expansion is Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which is set to debut in 2014. The mine train, which is currently under construction, will tell the story of Snow White through the eyes of the Seven Dwarfs. Keep it to TMSM for more updates on the new attraction, we can’t wait until it opens!

Michele Atwood is the Owner/Editor of The Main Street Mouse and it’s subsidiaries and author of the book “Moving to Main Street U.S.A.” Michele also contributes Disney news to the Joe Kelley Morning Show on 96.5 WDBO in Orlando. She and her family made the move from Michigan to the Orlando area to pursue their Disney dreams. Michele is a life long Disney fan, and has two sons who have followed suit, each going on their first Disney trip before their first birthday’s. Part of the goal Michele has for The Main Street Mouse is not only to keep members informed, but to create somewhat of a Disney Family by relating to others through personal experiences and opinions. Also, Michele is making it a priority to share stories of inspiration and hope to other Disney Fans in an effort to share the Magic and hopefully make a difference in the lives of others.